Frame assembly for supporting a stretcher

ABSTRACT

A frame assembly having at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other is provided to support a stretcher. Each of the elements includes a fixedly mounted section and a movably mounted section which have telescoping structural configurations. A biasing means is attached to each of the sections to telescope the sections with respect to each other. The frame assembly as provided is particularly useful for mounting in vehicles. Abutment members are mounted at each end of the elements with at least one of the abutments being secured to the fixedly mounted section and another abutment member being secured to the movably mounted section. Arresting means are provided to prevent movement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mounted sections.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Hans Stollenwerk 197-201 DellbrueckerHauptstr, 5 Cologne- Dellhruck, Germany [21] Appl. No. 875,328

[22] Filed Nov. 10, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 28, 1971 [32] Priority Nov.13, 1968 [33] Germany [54] FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING A STRETCl-IER14 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl. 211/13, 5/82 [51] Int. Cl A4717/00 [50] Field otSearch211/13; 296/19, 20; 5/82, 89

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,344,088 6/1920 Lundbom5/82 2,008,770 7/1935 Rafio 5/83 Primary Examiner-Ni1e C. Byers, Jr.Attorney-Lowry, Rinehart & Markva I ABSTlACT: A assembly having at leasttwo transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationship withrespect to each other is provided to support a stretcher. Each of theelements includes a fixedly mounted section and a movably mountedsection which have telescoping structural configurations. A biasingmeans is attached to each of the sections to telescope the sections withrespect to each other. The frame assembly as provided is particularlyuseful for mounting in vehicles. Abutment members are mounted at eachend of the elements with at least one of the abutments being secured tothe fixedly mounted section and another abutment member being secured tothe movably mounted section. Arresting means are provided to preventmovement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movablymounted sections.

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FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING A STRETCH-1BR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFrame assemblies having transverse bearer elements to support astretcher are generally well known in the prior art. These prior artassemblies include abutment means which are longitudinally displaceablewith respect to the transverse ele' ments. Furthermore, these abutmentmembers may be locked in a particular position with respect to thestretcher being supported. The adjustable abutments used to contain thestretcher in the prior art assemblies are mounted on sleeve memberswhich are displaceable along the transverse elements. These sleevemembers are adapted to be secured to the transverse element at the endthereof by a screw member. The screw threaded portion of the screwmember cooperates with a threaded bushing that is fixedly mounted on thetransverse spar element. Whenever adjustment of the abutment member withrespect to the transverse element is required, the screw must be turneda certain extent to effect the longitudinal displacement of the abutmentmembers. Every time a stretcher is set down or taken up from thetransverse elements, the abutment members must be adjusted. This abilityto adjust under these conditions facilitates both the taking up orsetting down of the stretcher as well as retaining it once it is placedon the transverse elements.

There are many disadvantages to this known type of displacement forabutment members requiring the turning of a screw member. Time is a veryimportant factor when attending a person who is in need of a stretcher.In the event of an urgent lack of time, the screw adjustment may betwisted insufficiently one way or the other. That is, the abutmentmembers may be located in a position too close to the stretcher or toofar away from the stretcher. In the first instance, the stretcher adoptsan oblique position on the frame assembly. In the second situation, thestretcher is not firmly locked into position on the frame assembly. Ineach of these cases, there is detriment to the safety of 'the personlying on the stretcher. Because each frame assembly comprises at leasttwo transverse bearer elements, the expenditure of time required foradjusting the location of the abutment member is doubled. Minutes whichare costly for the transportation of a sick person are lost. Theactuation of the known frame assemblies for adjusting the stretcherabutments may be accelerated only by employing a supplementary operatorfor the second transverse bearer element. This, of course, introducesthe danger of unreliable and nonuniform locking. Furthermore, theemployment of supplementary assistance is generally impossible in casesof emergency.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is toprovide a frame assembly for receiving a stretcher or the like in arapid, uncomplicated and reliable manner.

A further object of this invention is to provide a frame assembly havingvdisplaceable stretcher abutment members which may be easily adjusted tofacilitate the setting down and taking up of a stretcher therefrom.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a telescopingtransverse bearer element having an abutment member mounted thereonwherein the telescoping sections of the bearer element are under theinfluence of a biasing means.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a frame assemblywherein the abutments may be easily pulled out of the way when setting astretcher thereon. Subsequently the abutment member is released andautomatically returns to a location in contact with the stretcher thathas been placed across the transverse bearer elements.

It is another object of this invention to provide a frame assembly whichmay be disposed in vehicles wherein stretchers carried thereon aresubjected to large centrifugal forces. The frame assembly ofthisinvention prevents the shifting of the stretcher when placed betweenthe stretcher abutments located at each end of the transverse bearerelements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The frame assembly made in accordance with thisinvention includes at least two transverse bearer elements mounted inspaced relationship with respect to each other to receive a stretcher.-Each of the elements include a fixedly mounted section and a movablymounted section. These sections are telescoped with respect to eachother and include means to bias one within the other. In a specificembodiment of this invention, the movably mounted section comprises arod member that is received in the tube portion of a fixedly mountedspar member. Abutment members are located at each end of the transverseelements. When the rod member is pulled outwardly, the abutment memberattached thereto is displaced outwardly. After the stretcher is placedacross the transverse bearer elements, the adjustable rod member isreleased and it'automatically returns to a position contiguous to thestructure of the stretcher.

More specific features of this invention include arresting means forlocking the adjustable rod member and the spar member in variousrelationships with respect to each other. That is, the members may belocked in a closed relationship with respect to each other or in anydesired extended position when the rod element is pulled outwardly fromthe tube portion of the spar member.

Other features of the invention include the use of a supporting elementunder a bearing member that is displaceable along with the rod element.In another embodiment, a specially designed handle stretcher is used tomove the rod element outwardly against the biasing effect of a springand at the same time provide a carrier support for the bearing memberwhich supports the spar structure of a stretcher placed across thetransverse bearer elements.

A still further feature of this invention includes the use of aretaining strap which may be placed adjacent the leg of a stretcher toprevent the slipping of the stretcher in a longitudinal direction acrossthe transverse bearer elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other objects of this invention willappear in the following description and appended claims, reference beingmade to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specificationwherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in theseveral views.

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional, front plan view of a bearer element usedin a frame assembly made in accordance with this invention,

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional, front plan view of the assembly shown inFIG. 1 in an extended position, and

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the frame assembly as shown in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS More specifically, the frameassembly as shown in the accompanying drawings and made in accordancewith this invention includes at least two transverse bearer members ofelements, generally designated 1. The transverse bearer elements 1 aremounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other to receive astretcher 2 shown diagrammatically in dotted lines. The stretcher 2includes stretcher legs 2a and stretcher spar members 2b. The frameassembly is this specific embodiment is particularly adapted formounting in a vehicle such as an ambulance.

Each of the transverse elements 1 include a fixedly mounted section anda movably mounted section. The specific manner in which the fixedlymounted section is attached to the vehicle in this specific embodimentis not shown. The manner of mounting the transverse element 1 istherefore effected in any well-known manner and does not form a part ofthis invention. In this specific embodiment, the transverse bearerelement 1 includes a spar member la and a rod member 4. The spar memberla includes a hollow tube portion 3 which receives the rod member 4. Therod element 4 and the transverse spar member In telescope and aredisplaceable with respect to each other whilebeing subjected to abiasing means which comprises a traction spring 7. The spring 7 issecured at either end 5 and 6 thereof to the spar member la and rodelement 4, respectively.

In this specific embodiment, the respective structural configurations ofthe adjustable rod member 4 and the spar member 1a prevent rotationalmovement with respect to each other. The element 1 has a polygonal shapein cross section. In this particular embodiment, the cross section isquadrangular.

The adjustable rod element 4 is interconnected with a bowed handlemember 8, a stretcher abutment member 9 and a stretcher spar bearingmember 10. When the rod element 4 is displaced within the tube portion3, the stretcher abutment member 9 and the spar bearing member 10 aredisplaced therewith. In this specific embodiment, one of the limbs ofthe bowed handle member 8 extends through the spar bearing means 10 andserves as a carrier element therefor. This structural configurationprovides a simplified design and increased stability in the assembly.The other limb of the bowed handle member 8 is fixedly attached to theadjustable rod element 4.

Another feature of this invention shown in this specific embodimentincorporates a supporting element 12 which is mounted below the bearingmember 10. The support element 12 in this instance takes the form of aball or the like which slides on the upper transverse surface of thefixedly mounted transverse spar member 1a. The supporting element 12 isaccommodated in a housing 10a which provides protection for the element12. This support element 12 is used to avoid vertical oscillations whichmight occur with the bearing member 10 because it is longer than thebearing member 11 located at the other end of the transverse bearerelement 1. The avoidance of such vertical oscillations will eliminateany possible inconvenience to the patient who is lying on the stretcher2. In addition, the elimination of the vertical oscillations will avoiddamage to the securing point of the rod member 4 with the other portionsof the movably mounted section.

An elongated slot 13 extends along one side of the rod element 4. Thelength of the elongated slot 13 corresponds substantially to the maximumlength at which the rod element 4 may be displaced from the tube portion3. A stationary transverse pin 14 is fixedly mounted on the inside ofthe tube portion 3 and projects into the elongated slot 13. The pin 14thereby constitutes an abutment which limits the movement of the rodelement 4 into and out of the tube portion 3.

Another feature of this invention provides an arresting means, generallydesignated 15, which includes a holding member 16. The holding member 16may comprise a bolt or a pin which may be screwed through the wall ofthe spar member 1a. The holding member 16 may be displaced against therod element 4 as shown in FIG. 4 to prevent movement of the fixedlymounted spar member la with respect to the movably mounted rod element4. The application force produced by the member 16 presses the rodelement 4 against the inner walls of the tube portion 3. A handle member17 is located on the outside of the transverse element It to actuate theholding member 16. Other equivalent structures such as a pin formed withdetents may be substituted for the use of a threaded holding member 16.

The locking of the stretcher 2 on the frame assembly is therefore notleft merely to the force of the spring 7. That is, the arresting meanswill insure the stationary placement of the abutment member 9 againstthe spar 2b of the stretcher 2. The arresting device 15 may also beactuated to lock the rod element 4 in an extended position. This willenable one of the persons carrying the stretcher to first effect theelongation of the element 1 and lock it in place. He then may assist insetting down the stretcher onto the frame assembly. Upon releasing thearresting device 15, the abutment 9 will automatically travel againstthe carrier spar 2b which faces it.

A further feature of this invention provides a retaining strap 18 thatis fixedly attached to the rod element 4. When a stretcher 2 is set downacross the transverse elements 1 in an inexpert manner, there is adanger that the bowed stretcher legs 2a may be disposed ahead of thetransversespars and not rearwardly of it. In such a circumstance, theretaining strap 18 engages the structure of the bowed stretcher leg 2aso that there is no danger of the stretcher slipping in the direction ofthe arrow as depicted in FIG. 2.

In operation, the rod element 4 is pulled outwardly through the use ofthe handle member 8. This spaces the stretcher abutment member 9 awayfrom the stretcher spar 2b. The stretcher foot 2a is also released fromthe retaining strap 18 in this specific embodiment. The outward movementof the rod element 4 is limited to its maximum extending position by thestop member 14 as shown in FIG. 3. The rod element 4 may be locked inthe extended position by actuating the arresting device 15. While therod element 4 is in the extended position, the stretcher 2 may be eitherremoved or set in place across the transverse elements 1. There iscomplete room for free movement of the stretcher 2. When the arrestingdevice 15 is released, the rod element 4 is automatically drawn intoplace against the stretcher spar 2b. This inwardly directed movement iseffected by the biasing action of the spring 7 until the rod element 4reaches the maximum closed position against the stretcher spar. Theactuation of the arresting device 15 while the rod element 4 is in thisposition protects the spring 7 and insures permanent location of thestretcher abutment 9 against the stretcher spar 2b.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION The stretcher of the frame assembly asproposed by this invention offers many advantages. The drawing up of thestretcher abutment 9 against the carrier spar of the stretcher 2disposed across the transverse element 1 will always take place. Thatis, the structural combination of this assembly eliminates anypossibility of human nonreliability. With the uniform dimensioning ofthe spring-biasing means 7 used in the two transverse elements 1, it isimpossible for one abutment member 9 to be pressed to a lesser degreeagainst a stretcher spar than the other abutment member. This willeliminate any danger of the stretcher beginning to move laterally on theframe assembly or to slip axially off of the frame. It is possible withthe frame assembly of this invention to set down and secure stretcherswith a speed that has not been achievable heretofore. Increasedefiiciency and speed has also been provided in the securing andreleasing of the stretcher for subsequent removal form the frameassembly. At the same time a great amount of speed is achieved, there isno danger to the person lying on the stretcher nor to the ambulancepersonnel. That is, reliable securing of the stretcher on the frameassembly is always guaranteed. The operation of the displaceably sectionwithin the fixedly mounted section may be effected without anyparticular finger nimbleness or any expenditure of an undue amount ofstrength.

While the frame assembly for supporting a stretcher has been shown anddescribed in detail, it is obvious that this invention is not to beconsidered as being limited to the exact form disclosed, and thatchanges in detail and construction may be made therein within the scopeof the invention, without departing from the spirit thereof.

I claim:

1. A frame assembly for supporting a stretcher in a substantiallyhorizontal position comprising:

at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationshipwith respect to each other to support a stretcher;

each of the elements including a fixedly mounted section and a movablymounted section;

said sections having structural configurations to be telescoped withrespect to each other;

biasing means attached to each of the sections to telescope the section;

each said element includes abutment members located at each end thereof;

an abutment member being mounted on the fixedly mounted section andanother abutment member being mounted on the movably mounted section;

said structural onfigurations include arresting means to preventmovement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movablymounted sections;

each said movably mounted section comprises an adjustable rod member;

each said fixedly mounted section comprises a spar member having a tubeportion which receives the rod member;

said biasing means includes a traction spring connected at each endthereof to the rod and spar members;

each said transverse element includes bearing members.

located at each end thereof to support the structure of a stretcher; and

a first bearing member mounted on the adjustable rod member and a secondbearing member mounted on the movable spar member;

said first bearing member including at least one ball member in contactwith the outside surface of the spar member.

2. As assembly according to claim 1 wherein each ball member isaccommodated in a housing for protection thereof. 3. A frame assemblyfor supporting a stretcher in a substantially horizontal positioncomprising:

at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationshipwith respect to each other to support a stretcher;

each of the elements including a fixedly mounted section and a movablymounted section;

said sections having structural configurations to be telescoped withrespect to each other;

biasing means attached to each of the sections to telescope thesections;

each said element includes abutment members located at each end thereof;

an abutment member being mounted on the fixedly mounted section andanother abutment member being mounted on the movably mounted section;

said structural configurations include arresting means to preventmovement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movablymounted sections; and

each said transverse element includes a bowed handle member attached tothe movably mounted section;

said bowed handle member having one limb thereof extending through abearing member mounted thereon to sup- I port a spar structure of astretcher.

4. An adjustable frame arrangement of support a stretcher in asubstantially horizontal position and hold same against movementcomprising, in combination a first transverse bearer assembly;

a second transverse bearer assembly spaced from said first assembly in adirection longitudinal of a stretcher to be carried by said assemblies;

said first and second assemblies each including a first support sectiona second support section in telescoping relation to said first section,and spring means connected between said sections to normally urge sametoward a contracted telescoped position; first abutment element securedto each of said first suppo sections, said abutment elements presentinggenerally vertical stretcher engaging surfaces;

a second abutment element secured to each of said second supportsections, said second abutment elements presenting generally verticalstretcher engaging surfaces facing toward the stretcher engagingsurfaces of said respective first abutment elements;

said first sections of said first and second assemblies being securedagainst movement;

said second sections of said first and second assemblies beingtelescopically moveable relative to said first sections;

means to facilitate manually longitudinally extending said secondsections relative to said first sections against the Y action of saidspring means; and lock means to secure said sections together in thepositions to which they are moved by said spring means. 5. An adjustableframe arrangement according to claim 4 5 wherein said first and secondbearer assemblies each includes means to prevent rotation of said firstsupport section relative to said second support section;

whereby, said first and second abutment elements of said assemblies aremaintained in the same aligned position relative to each otherregardless of the extent of longitudinal extension or contraction of theassemblies.

6 An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein saidabutment elements are each inclined toward a stretcher on said bearerassemblies;

whereby, the stretcher is urged downwardly toward aid assemblies.

7. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein firstand second stop means limit the extent of extension and contraction ofsaid bearer assemblies.

iik n adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 7 wherein saidfirst stop means for each of said bearer assemblies includes a slot inthat one of the first and second sections which extends into the othersection, said slot having an end face, and

a pin extending through the outer one of said sections and through saidslot to limit the extent of extension of said sections relative to eachother.

9. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein saidlock means includes manually actuable clamp means for clamping saidsections against movement relative to each other at any position ofextension of said sections.

10. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein saidmeans to facilitate manually longitudinally extending said secondsections comprises a handle on each of said second sections tofacilitate 45 grasping said sections.

11. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein thestretcher to be carried by said frame has downwardly projecting fee;

said second sections of said first and second assemblies each includemeans connected to said second sections and moveable therewith forengaging said feet of said stretcher to prevent longitudinal movement ofthe stretcher on said bearer assemblies. V

12. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein f firstrollers are connected to said first sections for rotation abouttransverse axes at locations adjacent said first abutment elements;

second rollers are connected to said second sections for rotation abouttransverse axes at locations adjacent said second abutment elements;

said rollers providing for longitudinal movement of a stretcher alongsaid first and second assemblies; and

said rollers supporting the side rails of a stretcher on said bearerassemblies.

13. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 12 70 whereinsaid second rollers are each longer than said first rollers;

whereby, a stretcher can be placed on said second rollers when saidsecond sections are extended relative to said first sections.

14. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein saidfirst sections are secured to a vehicle.

1. A frame assembly for supporting a stretcher in a substantiallyhorizontal position comprising: at least two transverse bearer elementsmounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other to support astretcher; each of the elements including a fixedly mounted section anda movably mounted section; said sections having structuralconfigurations to be telescoped with respect to each other; biasingmeans attached to each of the sections to telescope the section; eachsaid element includes abutment members located at each end thereof; anabutment member being mounted on the fixedly mounted section and anotherabutment member being mounted on the movably mounted section; saidstructural configurations include arresting means to prevent movement ofthe fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mountedsections; each said movably mounted section comprises an adjustable rodmember; each said fixedly mounted section comprises a spar member havinga tube portion which receives the rod member; said biasing meansincludes a traction spring connected at each end thereof to the rod andspar members; each said transverse element includes bearing memberslocated at each end thereof to support the structure of a stretcher; anda first bearing member mounted on the adjustable rod member and a secondbearing member mounted on the movable spar member; said first bearingmember including at least one ball member in contact with the outsidesurface of the spar member.
 2. As assembly according to claim 1 whereineach ball member is accommodated in a housing for protection thereof. 3.A frame assembly for supporting a stretcher in a substantiallyhorizontal position comprising: at least two transverse bearer elementsmounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other to support astretcher; each of the elements including a fixedly mounted section anda movably mounted section; said sections having structuralconfigurations to be telescoped with respect to each other; biasingmeans attached to each of the sections to telescope the sections; eachsaid element includes abutment members located at each end thereof; anabutment member being mounted on the fixedly mounted section and anotherabutment member being mounted on the movably mounted section; saidstructural configurations include arresting means to prevent movement ofthe fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mountedsections; and each said transverse element includes a bowed handlemember attached to the movably mounted section; said bowed handle memberhaving one limb thereof extending through a bearing member mountedthereon to support a spar structure of a stretcher.
 4. An adjustableframe arrangement to support a stretcher in a substantially horizontalposition and hold same against movement comprising, in combination afirst transverse bearer assembly; a second transverse bearer assemblyspaced from said first assembly in a direction longitudinal of astretcher to be carried by said assemblies; said first and secondassemblies each including a first support section a second supportsection in telescoping relation to said first section, and spring meansconnected between said sections to normally urge same toward acontracted telescoped position; first abutment element secured to eachof said first support sections, said abutment elements presentinggenerally vertical stretcher engaging surfaces; a second abutmentelement secured to each of said second support sections, said secondabutment elements presenting generally vertical stretcher engagingsurfaces facing toward the stretcher engaging surfaces of saidrespective first abutment elements; said first sections of said firstand second assemblies being secured against movement; said secondsections of said first and second assemblies being telescopicallymoveable relative to said first sections; means to facilitate manuallylongitudinally extending said second sections relative to said firstsections against the action of said spring means; and lock means tosecure said sections together in the positions to which they are movedby said spring means.
 5. An adjustable frame arrangement according toclaim 4 wherein said first and second bearer assemblies each includesmeans to prevent rotation of said first support section relative to saidsecond support section; whereby, said first and second abutment elementsof said assemblies are maintained in the same aligned position relativeto each other regardless of the extent of longitudinal extension orcontraction of the assemblies.
 6. An adjustable frame arrangementaccording to claim 4 wherein said abutment elements are each inclinedtoward a stretcher on said bearer assemblies; whereby, the stretcher isurged downwardly toward said assemblies.
 7. An adjustable framearrangement according to claim 4 wherein first and second stop meanslimit the extent of extension and contraction of said bearer assemblies.8. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 7 wherein saidfirst stop means for each of said bearer assemblies includes a slot inthat one of the first and second sections which extends into the othersection, said slot having an end face, and a pin extending through theouter one of said sections and through said slot to limit the extent ofextension of said sections relative to each other.
 9. An adjustableframe arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said lock means includesmanually actuable clamp means for clamping said sections againstmovement relative to each other at any position of extension of saidsections.
 10. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4wherein said means to facilitate manually longitudinally extending saidsecond sections comprises a handle on each of said second sections tofacilitate grasping said sections.
 11. An adjustable frame arrangementaccording to claim 4 wherein the stretcher to be carried by said framehas downwardly projecting fee; said second sections of said first andsecond assemblies each include means connected to said second sectionsand moveable therewith for engaging said feet of said stretcher toprevent longitudinal movement of the stretcher on said bearerassemblies.
 12. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4wherein first rollers are connected to said first sections for rotationabout transverse axes at locations adjacent said first abutmentelements; second rollers are connected to said second sections forrotation about transverse axes at locations adjacent said secondaButment elements; said rollers providing for longitudinal movement of astretcher along said first and second assemblies; and said rollerssupporting the side rails of a stretcher on said bearer assemblies. 13.An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 12 wherein saidsecond rollers are each longer than said first rollers; whereby, astretcher can be placed on said second rollers when said second sectionsare extended relative to said first sections.
 14. An adjustable framearrangement according to claim 4 wherein said first sections are securedto a vehicle.